The Carmelites of Australia and Timor-Leste are mourning the loss of Fr Marius who passed peacefully into God’s loving arms early on 22 July 2026.

Born Bernard Joseph in Kanpur, India on 14 April 1934, he came to Australia as a teenager and on finishing school worked for Norwich Insurance before joining the Carmelites on 10 February 1954 taking the name Marius. He made his first profession of vows in the Order in 1955 and professed Solemn Vows on 7 March 1958.

Following his Ordination in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne, on 6 January 1961, he studied education at Melbourne University before being assigned to teach at Whitefriars College, Donvale (VIC) in 1965.

In 1968 he was appointed Novice Master at the Carmelite Novitiate in Winston Hills (NSW). At the completion of his term in 1974 he began exploring the possibility of setting up a Carmelite Institute of Spirituality in Australia – a dream which became reality in 1981. Fr Marius was appointed Director of the new Institute.

In 1987, at the invitation of the Josephites, Fr Marius went to Hilton (WA) to set up the Upper Room Spirituality Centre in partnership with Sr Bridget Kayser RSJ. Both shared a deep interest in Spirituality, and the Josephites invited them to share this with the wider community.

Over his many years in spirituality ministry Fr Marius became well-known as a retreat and course giver, spiritual guide and confessor.

Retiring in 2004 with significant health issues, Fr Marius continued to live quietly and gently his Carmelite vocation until his death.

Requiem Mass for Fr Bernard (Marius) Dawson will be held at 1.45pm on Wednesday 5 August 2026 at the Sisters of Saint Joseph Chapel, 16 York Street, South Perth (WA). Following the mass, the burial will be at Freemantle Cemetery at 3.15pm.

May he rest in peace